About the Element, Calcium.- What are some facts about Calcium, the element?- Uses? (What it is used for)- Sources? (Where it is found)- Does it require special handling? (is it poisonous cancer-causing, etc?)- Physical State At Room Temperature?- Origin of Name?- Density?- Country/ Places it can be found?- % Abundance on Earth?- Cost per lb.thanks
Calcium is one of the major components of the earth's crust (more than 3%), and is ubiquitous. It is never found in the metallic state, as it is highly reactive, but occurs in numerous rocks. The metal is not toxic, but must be handled with care as it is so reactive. Limestone is basically calcium carbonate, so in the combined state the stuff is dirt cheap. But calcium metal is fairly expensive; it is used for some laboratory procedures (such as preparing uranium for nuclear weapons cores) but is otherwise not particularly important. Calcium oxide and hydroxide are major industrial chemicals, used for all sort of things. The name comes from calx, Latin for lime. See also
Uses: In living organisms, for development of bones and shells. In making cement and making cheeses. Sources: Does not occur naturally pure, is extracted from the minerals calcite, dolomite and gypsum. Special handling?: Nope, you need it; but it can cause Hypercalcaemia if you overdose on it (really difficult), this may cause fatigue, depression, confusion, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, pancreatitis or increased urination. Physical state: Solid Name: from the Latin word calisis meaning lime Density: 1.55 g·cm^3 Can be found pretty much anywhere, fifth most common ion in seawater Also the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust. The human skeleton contains 1Kg of Calcium I hope this helps
